Oregon State's backfield is in good hands should Jacquizz Rodgers suffer injury

CORVALLIS -- If Tuesday's Oregon State scrimmage is an indication, there is reason for Beaver fans to breathe easy should the health of running back Jacquizz Rodgers become an issue in 2010.

There is a terrific battle percolating for Rodgers' backup between junior Ryan McCants and sophomore Jordan Jenkins in OSU training camp. It came to a head Tuesday when Jenkins looked every bit the part of dangerous Pac-10 running back when he ran six times for 104 yards. He also caught five passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns.

In last week's first scrimmage, McCants led all running backs with 13 carries for 59 yards.

"It has been very, very good for our team that both Ryan McCants and Jordan Jenkins have really gotten better," Oregon State coach Mike Riley said. "Jordan really had a good day and made stuff happen, and Ryan is very capable."

Before anyone asked, Riley added one more thought.

"My guess is Quizz will still play," Riley said, smiling.

Jenkins, who played sparingly as a redshirt freshman, backed up his spring game performance, when he rushed for 112 yards.

"I just try to be the most versatile I can be," said Jenkins, who attended West Salem High School. "If I can block well and run a route, it gives me more options to get on the field."

Though Jenkins was the star of Tuesday's scrimmage, Riley wasn't ready to name him as the backup.

"Unfair for me to stand here minutes after the scrimmage and say that's the case," Riley said. "Frankly, they'll both play a part in our season."

The most complicated position on Oregon State's depth chart at the moment is middle linebacker, where Tony Wilson, Rueben Robinson and Feti Unga are the mix for the starting and backup jobs.

They are attempting to replace David Pa'aluhi, last year's starting linebacker who left the program during the offseason to return to Hawaii.

Linebackers coach Greg Newhouse did little to separate the three, saying "hopefully come game time, we should have a couple guys who are ready."

Newhouse said it was not a concern that someone hasn't established himself as the starter.

"That's not even a question. Just a question is do we have a guy, and I think we've got a couple," he said.

Riley's stance at middle linebacker?

"Really tight," he said, "and that's good. They have all had their good moments."

The starters played briefly during the 90-minute scrimmage. Quarterback Ryan Katz was a showstopper during his two series of work, completing 4 of 5 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Katz threw a 48-yard touchdown pass to James Rodgers, and just missed Rodgers on a pass that sailed at least 65 yards in the air.

"The big thing is, he doesn't need a big runway to throw it. He can throw the ball unbelievably far," Riley said.

Riley remarked that the next step for Katz is accuracy, and so far in two scrimmages he has succeeded, completing 16 of 21 passes for 234 yards.

Once Katz left the field, the Beaver defense had some moments, as cornerback Sean Martin and safety Suaesi Tuimaunei returned interceptions for touchdowns.

Starting cornerback James Dockery was held out of the scrimmage. Riley said it was precautionary because of a minor hamstring injury.